A study by Sikkim University has recorded 11 species of dragonflies and damselflies not previously documented in the Sikkim Himalaya, raising the state’s known odonate count from 82 to 93. The research, led by PhD scholar Neera Rawat of the university’s Department of Zoology and supervised by Prof. Bhoj K. Acharya with joint supervision from Dr. K.A. Subramanian of the Zoological Survey of India (Southern Regional Centre, Chennai), was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences.
Field surveys carried out between April and October 2024 across multiple sites around Gangtok, Jorethang and Mangan recorded 52 odonate species in total-28 dragonflies and 24 damselflies-representing a range of environmental and urbanization gradients. Researchers sampled streams, rivulets and other freshwater habitats to compile the inventory.
The 11 species newly recorded for Sikkim are Aristocypha trifasciata, Calicnemia imitans, Coeliccia schmidti, Gynacantha subinterrupta, Lamelligomphus risi, Nepogomphus modestus, Perissogomphus stevensi, Scalmogomphus bistrigatus, Stylogomphus inglisi, Cratilla lineata and Sympetrum orientale. These additions extend the known ranges of several taxa into the eastern Himalayan region.
Odonates-dragonflies and damselflies-are important ecological indicators because their larvae develop in freshwater while adults occupy surrounding vegetation. Their presence and diversity often reflect the health and quality of freshwater ecosystems. They also act as natural biocontrol agents at both larval and adult stages, contributing to ecosystem functioning and biodiversity.
The university said the discovery “highlights the rich yet understudied taxa of the region and significantly adds to our understanding of insect biodiversity in the region.” Scientists involved called for continued documentation to track distribution, population trends and ecological roles of odonates, and to support conservation efforts in fragile mountain ecosystems. The study was supported by an INSPIRE fellowship from the Department of Science and Technology.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/sikkim-university-study-discovers-11-new-dragonfly-and-damselfly-species-in-sikkim
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